Published on April 3 2014 10:54 am
Last Updated on April 4 2014 5:28 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

VIDEO UNDER STORY

One of those killed in the shootings Wednesday at Fort Hood, Texas, was a former Effingham resident.

Army Sgt. Timothy Owens was 37 years old. His mother, Mary Muntean, lives in Effingham. She said her son was one of three people killed by Army Specialist Ivan Lopez during the shootings, which occurred around 4:30pm Wednesday. 16 others were wounded.

Mrs. Muntean said her son was a counselor and a 10-year Army veteran. She said her son had told her recently that he had re-enlisted for six more years and that he was planning to make the Army a career.

Tim Owens lived in Effingham during his childhood years. He attended South Side School before the family moved to Rolla, Missouri where Tim attended junior high and graduated from high school. He later returned to and worked in Effingham before joining the military.

Sgt. Owens enlisted in the military service in July 2004 and went to Oklahoma for his basic training. His mother said he was working toward a promotion to staff sergeant. Tim had just gotten married this past August.

Mary Muntean said she has no information as to funeral arrangements for Sgt. Owens, but said they will be held in Effingham. She was meeting with the military Friday to help finalize the services, which will be overseen by Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. We'll let you know when they're scheduled.

State Representatives David Reis and John Cavaletto have obtained Governor Pat Quinn's directive that flags should be flown at half staff two days before and one day following Sgt. Owens' funeral, as well as on the day of the services.

Army Secretary John McHugh said Lopez was undergoing treatment for depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. McHugh said Lopez, who has been prescribed Ambien, was fully examined by a psychiatrist last month and the plan was to continue to monitor and treat him as deemed appropriate.

Army investigators confirm they're looking into whether an argument preceded this week's shootings.

Lieutenant General Mark Milley said investigators are digging into whether Lopez may have had some sort of injury during his deployment overseas.

Tim Owens (left) with Glenn Welton

We had the chance to talk with friends Paul Eatherton, Jeff Myers and Mike Myers Friday, who shared their memories of Tim, who lived with their family when he returned to Effingham in the 1990's. (video link)